Vegetative and reproductive development of balansa clover

Abstract

The rate of emergence, time of the first mainstem
leaf appearance, phyllochron and branch initiation
and inflorescence development were quantified for
balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum). Thermal
time requirement was ~57 degree days (°Cd) for 50%
final emergence, 111 °Cd for first leaf, 54 °Cd for
phyllochron and 230 °Cd for branch initiation all above
a base temperature of 0 °C. Each inflorescence required
380 °Cd from pollination to reach physiological maturity
and a further 270 °Cd until all seeds were dark within
pods, an indicator of harvest maturity. These values are
transferable to different locations and can be used to
define best management practices to maintain balansa
clover in a grazed pasture or for seed production.... [Show full abstract]